15-9-2023 (MADRID) Spanish authorities have taken three young footballers from Real Madrid into custody over allegations of distributing a sexually explicit video featuring a minor, according to statements from a police spokesperson.
These arrests come at a challenging time for Spanish football, as it grapples with a wider issue of sexual abuse allegations surrounding former Spanish Football Association chief Luis Rubiales. Rubiales recently ignited controversy by kissing World Cup champion Jenni Hermoso on the lips last month, sparking outrage and discussions about sexism and macho behavior within Spain.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from officials at Real Madrid regarding these arrests.
Earlier reports from El Confidencial newspaper, citing insider sources within the investigation, suggest that the individuals arrested include three players hailing from Real Madrid’s youth academy, the reserve team, and the third team. The case originated from a police complaint filed on September 6th in the Canary Islands, initiated by the mother of the underage victim.
According to these reports, the central focus of the investigation is a player from Real Madrid C, the club’s third team, who allegedly recorded a sexual encounter with the 16-year-old victim. Cadena SER radio station reported that this relationship was deemed consensual.
The two other players are said to have shared the explicit video without the minor’s consent through the mobile messaging app WhatsApp, as detailed by El Confidencial and Cadena SER.
All three of the individuals were taken into custody on Thursday morning in Madrid and are suspected of committing a felony in accordance with Spanish criminal law, referred to as “revealing secrets of a sexual nature,” as outlined in the reports.
